Narrow Width Adapters and Connectors with Spring Loaded Remote Release

ABSTRACT

Narrow width fiber optic connectors having spring loaded remote release mechanisms to facilitate access and usage of the connectors in high density arrays. A narrow width fiber optic connector comprises a multi-fiber connector, wherein a width of said narrow width fiber optic connector is less than about 12.4mm, a housing configured to hold the multi-fiber connector and further comprising a connector recess, and a pull tab having a ramp area configured to disengage a latch of one of an adapter and an SFP from said connector recess. The pull tab may include a spring configured to allow the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage with the connector recess.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED-APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/996,865 filed on Jan. 15, 2016, and claims priority toInternational Application No. PCT/US16/13629 filed on Jan. 15, 2016 andTaiwan Patent Application No. 105101374 filed on Jan. 18, 2016, each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to connectors having remoterelease, and more specifically to narrow width adapters and connectors,such as narrow pitch distance LC duplex adapters and connectors withspring loaded remote release, and narrow width multi-fiber connectors.

The prevalence of the Internet has led to unprecedented growth incommunication networks. Consumer demand for service and increasedcompetition has caused network providers to continuously find ways toimprove quality of service while reducing cost.

Certain solutions have included deployment of high-density interconnectpanels. High-density interconnect panels may be designed to consolidatethe increasing volume of interconnections necessary to support thefast-growing networks into a compacted form factor, thereby increasingquality of service and decreasing costs such as floor space and supportoverhead. However, the deployment of high-density interconnect panelshave not been fully realized.

In communication networks, such as data centers and switching networks,numerous interconnections between mating connectors may be compactedinto high-density panels. Panel and connector producers may optimize forsuch high densities by shrinking the connector size and/or the spacingbetween adjacent connectors on the panel. While both approaches may beeffective to increase the panel connector density, shrinking theconnector size and/or spacing may also increase the support cost anddiminish the quality of service.

In a high-density panel configuration, adjacent connectors and cableassemblies may obstruct access to the individual release mechanisms.Such physical obstructions may impede the ability of an operator tominimize the stresses applied to the cables and the connectors. Forexample, these stresses may be applied when the user reaches into adense group of connectors and pushes aside surrounding optical fibersand connectors to access an individual connector release mechanism withhis/her thumb and forefinger. Overstressing the cables and connectorsmay produce latent defects, compromise the integrity and/or reliabilityof the terminations, and potentially cause serious disruptions tonetwork performance.

While an operator may attempt to use a tool, such as a screwdriver, toreach into the dense group of connectors and activate the releasemechanism, the adjacent cables and connectors may obstruct theoperator's line of sight, making it difficult to guide the tool to therelease mechanism without pushing aside the surrounding cables.Moreover, even when the operator has a clear line of sight, guiding thetool to the release mechanism may be a time-consuming process. Thus,using a tool may not be effective at reducing support time andincreasing the quality of service.

Small Form Factor Pluggable Transceivers (SFP) are used presently intelecommunication infrastructures within rack mounted copper-to-fibermedia converters, and are also known as Ethernet switches and/orpatching hubs. These infrastructure Ethernet and fiber optic connectionsare evolving daily to increase connection density due to limited spacefor such equipment. Although fiber optic connectors have become smallerover the years, they have not been designed to be any smaller thannecessary to plug into commonly sized and readily available SFPs.However, as transceiver technologies develop, smaller SFPs will be usedto create higher density switches and/or patching hub equipment.Accordingly, there is a need for fiber optic connectors that will meetthe needs of future developments in smaller SFPs.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing adapters andfiber optic connectors for future developments in smaller SFPs,including for example narrow pitch SFPs for LC type duplex connectors,as well as narrow width SFPs for MPO connectors. Aspects of the presentdisclosure also provide spring loaded remote release mechanisms tofacilitate access and usage of the narrow pitch connectors in highdensity arrays or panels.

According to one aspect, there is provided a narrow width fiber opticconnector comprising a multi-fiber connector, wherein a width of saidnarrow width fiber optic connector is less than about 12.4 mm, a housingconfigured to hold the multi-fiber connector and further comprising aconnector recess, and a pull tab having a ramp area configured todisengage a latch of one of an adapter and an SFP from said connectorrecess. The multi-fiber connector may include a multi-fiber MT ferrule.In some embodiments, the width of said narrow width fiber opticconnector may be less than or equal to about 9.6 mm. The pull tab mayinclude a spring configured to allow the latch of one of the adapter andthe SFP to engage with the connector recess.

According to another aspect, there is provided a narrow pitch fiberoptic connector comprising a plurality of LC connectors arranged suchthat a pitch of said narrow pitch connector is less than about 5.25 mm,a housing configured to hold the plurality of LC connectors and furthercomprising a connector recess, and a pull tab having a ramp areaconfigured to disengage a latch of one of an adapter and an SFP fromsaid connector recess. In some embodiments, the pitch may be less thanor equal to about 4.8 mm. The pull tab may include a spring configuredto allow the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage with theconnector recess. In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a distalend for remotely unlatching the narrow pitch connector. The narrow pitchconnector may be a duplex connector. In some embodiments, the housingmay include a bottom housing and a top housing coupled to the bottomhousing. The bottom housing may include a side wall configured to open.The side wall may include a raised profile at a rear end thereof.

According to another aspect, there is provided a narrow pitch fiberoptic connector comprising a plurality of LC connectors arranged suchthat a pitch of said narrow pitch connector is less than about 5.25 mm,a plurality of latching arms coupled to the plurality of LC connectors,a housing configured to hold the plurality of LC connectors, and a pulltab coupled to the plurality of latching arms and configured to remotelyunlatch the narrow pitch connector. In some embodiments, the pitch maybe less than or equal to about 4.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a spring configured toprovide a force such that the latching arms return to an undisplacedposition. The pull tab may include a distal end for remotely unlatchingthe narrow pitch connector and a proximal end configured to couple thepull tab to the plurality of latching arms. The proximal end may includea single prong configured to engage the plurality of latching arms. Theproximal end may include a plurality of pins configured to slide along asemi-circular profile of the plurality of latching arms. In variousembodiments, the narrow pitch connector is a duplex connector.

In various embodiments, the housing may include a bottom housing and atop housing coupled to the bottom housing. The bottom housing mayinclude a side wall configured to open. The side wall may include araised profile at a rear end thereof. The top housing may be configuredto retain the pull tab. The pull tab may be further configured to bepushed down so as to unlatch the narrow pitch connector withoutresulting in any horizontal movement of the pull tab.

According to another aspect, there is disclosed a duplex fiber opticconnector comprising two LC connectors arranged such that a pitch ofsaid duplex LC connector is less than about 5.25 mm, and a pull tabcoupled to said two LC connectors so as to remotely unlatch said duplexconnector when pulled horizontally, wherein the pull tab is springloaded. In one embodiment, the pitch may be less than or equal to about4.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a proximal end configuredto couple to respective latching arms of the two LC connectors. Theduplex fiber optic connector may further comprise a housing having sidewalls configured to open. The housing may further comprise a top housingconfigured to receive the pull tab. The pull tab may be furtherconfigured to be pushed down so as to unlatch the duplex connectorwithout resulting in any horizontal movement of the pull tab.

According to another aspect, there is disclosed a narrow pitch adaptercomprising a recess configured to receive a duplex fiber optic connectorhaving a pitch less than about 5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the pitchmay be less than or equal to about 4.8 mm.

According to another aspect, there is disclosed a narrow width fiberoptic connector comprising a multi-fiber connector, wherein a width ofsaid narrow width fiber optic connector is less than about 12.4 mm, atleast one latching arm coupled to the multi-fiber connector, a housingconfigured to hold the multi-fiber connector, and a pull tab coupled tothe at least one latching arms and configured to remotely unlatch thenarrow width connector. The multi-fiber connector may include amulti-fiber MT ferrule. In some embodiments, the width may be less thanor equal to about 9.6 mm. In some embodiments, the pull tab may includea spring configured to provide a force such that the at least onelatching arm returns to an undisplaced position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25 mm pitch LCconnector SFP;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25 mm pitch LCadapter;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the prior art adapter of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D is a front view of the prior art adapter of FIG. 1B, showing the6.25 mm pitch;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a prior art LC duplex connector;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a prior art LC duplex connector with aremote release pull tab;

FIG. 2C is a top view of a prior art LC connector used in theembodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 2D is a side view of the prior art LC connector of FIG. 2C;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a future narrow pitch LC SFP forreceiving connectors disclosed herein according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a narrow pitch LCadapter according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the narrow pitch LC adapter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a front view of the narrow pitch LC adapter of FIG. 4A,showing a 4.8 mm pitch;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a narrow pitch LCduplex connector with remote release according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6A is a top view of an LC connector used in the embodiment of FIG.5 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the LC connector of FIG. 6A according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of narrow pitch LC duplex connector of FIG.5, with the release mechanism being removed according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective disassembled view of the narrow pitch LC duplexconnector of FIG. 5 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO SFP;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO connector;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the prior art MPO connector of FIG. 10A,having a width of 12.4 mm;

FIG. 10C is a front view of the prior art MPO connector of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a future narrow width multi-fiber SFPfor receiving connectors disclosed herein according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a narrow widthmulti-fiber connector with remote release according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a top view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector of FIG.12A, having a width of 9.6 mm according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12C is a front view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector ofFIG. 12A according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a narrow width multi-fiber connectorinserted into a narrow width SFP having an SFP latch according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a narrow width multi-fiber connectorinserted into a narrow width adapter having an adapter latch accordingto aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a narrow width multi-fiber connector of FIG.13A having a recess engaged with an SFP latch in a normal pull tabposition according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a side view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector of FIG.13A, being disengaged from the SFP latch by retracting the pull tabaccording to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application,the respective meanings set forth below.

A connector, as used herein, refers to a device and/or componentsthereof that connects a first module or cable to a second module orcable. The connector may be configured for fiber optic transmission orelectrical signal transmission. The connector may be any suitable typenow known or later developed, such as, for example, a ferrule connector(FC), a fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) connector, an LCconnector, a mechanical transfer (MT) connector, an SC connector, an SCduplex connector, or a straight tip (ST) connector. The connector maygenerally be defined by a connector housing body. In some embodiments,the housing body may incorporate any or all of the components describedherein.

A “fiber optic cable” or an “optical cable” refers to a cable containingone or more optical fibers for conducting optical signals in beams oflight. The optical fibers can be constructed from any suitabletransparent material, including glass, fiberglass, and plastic. Thecable can include a jacket or sheathing material surrounding the opticalfibers. In addition, the cable can be connected to a connector on oneend or on both ends of the cable.

Various embodiments described herein generally provide a remote releasemechanism such that a user can remove cable assembly connectors that areclosely spaced together on a high density panel without damagingsurrounding connectors, accidentally disconnecting surroundingconnectors, disrupting transmissions through surrounding connectors,and/or the like. Various embodiments also provide narrow pitch LC duplexconnectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors, for use, forexample, with future narrow pitch LC SFPs and future narrow width SFPs.The remote release mechanisms allow use of the narrow pitch LC duplexconnectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors in dense arrays ofnarrow pitch LC SFPs and narrow width multi-fiber SFPs.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25 mm pitchLC connector SFP 100. The SFP 100 is configured to receive a duplexconnector, and provides two receptacles 102, each for receiving arespective LC connector. The pitch 104 is defined as the axis-to-axisdistance between the central longitudinal axes of each of the tworeceptacles 102. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a prior artstandard 6.25 mm pitch LC adapter 106. The adapter 106 is alsoconfigured to receive a duplex connector, and provides two receptacles108, each for receiving a respective LC connector. FIG. 1C is a top viewof the adapter 106 of FIG. 1B. The pitch 110 of the adapter 106 isdefined similarly to that of the SFP 100, as the axis-to-axis distancebetween the central longitudinal axes of each of the two receptacles108, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, which shows a front view of the adapter106.

FIG. 2A shows a prior art LC duplex connector 200 that may be used withthe conventional SFP 100 and the conventional adapter 106. The LC duplexconnector 200 includes two conventional LC connectors 202. FIG. 2B showsanother prior art LC duplex connector 204 having a remote release pulltab 206, and including two conventional LC connectors 208. As shown, theremote release pull tab includes two prongs 210, each configured tocouple to the extending member 212 of a respective LC connector 208.FIGS. 2C and 2D show top and side views, respectively, of theconventional LC connector 208, having a width of 5.6 mm, and furthershowing the extending member 212.

Various embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with afuture SFP, such as the narrow pitch LC SFP 300 shown in FIG. 3, havinga pitch less than that of conventional 6.25 mm and 5.25 mm pitches.Various embodiments utilize LC type fiber optic connectors in duplexarrangements (having transmitting and receiving fibers) but with aconnector axis-to-axis distance that is less than the conventional 6.25mm and 5.25 mm pitches, as described further below.

According to another aspect, there is disclosed embodiments of narrowpitch duplex LC adapters. FIGS. 4A to 4C show one embodiment of a narrowpitch adapter 400. The narrow pitch adapter 400 has receptacles 402 onopposite ends thereof, configured for mating two narrow pitch LC duplexconnectors according to aspects disclosed herein. FIG. 4B shows a topview of the adapter 400. FIG. 4C shows a front view, furtherillustrating that the adapter 400 has a pitch of 4.8 mm. The adapter 400is configured to receive a duplex LC connector, with a pitch of theadapter corresponding to the axis-to-axis distance between the LCconnectors of the LC duplex connector. Although the adapter 400 has apitch of 4.8 mm, various embodiments of narrow pitch adapters disclosedherein may have a different pitch that is less than that of the pitch ofconventional adapters, for example less than 6.25 mm and less than about5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the pitch may be about 4.8 mm or less.

In addition to the need for narrow connectors, there is a need forremote unlatching of the narrow connectors used in dense narrow SFParrays. This is because finger access to connectors is nearly impossiblewithout disruption to the service of adjacent optical fibers. Althoughthere are current designs of remotely unlatching fiber optic connectors,as shown for example in FIG. 2B, they have proven to be difficult tofunction as desired when plugged into the die cast construction that istypical of all SFP's. The die cast SFP is not one that is ever free ofsharp edges and internal flashing (burrs) that can interfere with thenormal flexing motion of the plastic latches of the fiber opticconnectors. The interference between metal edges and burrs may preventthe fiber optic connector's plastic latch from either becoming fullyengaged or easily disengaged, especially with latches that are remotelytriggered by pull tabs that project a distance behind the connector soas to keep fingers from disturbing adjacent optical fibers.

To make the latching/unlatching of the connectors from the SFP morereliable, various embodiments disclosed herein add a spring force to theremote latching component (pull tab), for example as shown and describedin relation to FIGS. 5, 7, 8 and 12 below, to ensure that the connectorlatches are allowed to return to the undisplaced position and therebybecome fully engaged inside the SFP's recess.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a narrow pitch connector 500 according toaspects disclosed herein. The narrow pitch connector 500 is a duplex LCconnector including two LC connectors 502. Each of the LC connectors 502includes a respective ferrule 503 and a respective extending member orlatching arm 504. The connector 500 has a pitch of 4.8 mm, defined asthe axis-to-axis distance between the central axes of the LC connectors502. In other embodiments, the connector pitch may be less than that ofthe pitch of conventional connectors, for example less than 6.25 mm andless than about 5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the pitch may be about 4.8mm or less.

The connector 500 further includes a housing 506 having a bottom housing508 and a top housing 510. The bottom housing 508 includes side walls512. In various embodiments, the housing of the connector may be aswitchable housing. The side walls may be configured to open so as tofacilitate opening of the housing, for example to change polarity of theconnector. The side walls 512 may be raised towards the rear of theconnector, as shown in FIG. 5. One advantage of raising the side wallstowards the rear of the connector is easier access. In otherembodiments, the side walls may be raised at another location.

The connector 500 further includes a pull tab 514 having a distal end516 and a proximal end 518. The pull tab 514 further includes a spring520 configured to provide a force such that the connector latching arms504 return to the undisplaced position and thereby become fully engagedinside the SFP's recess. The distal end 516 of the pull tab 514 may bepulled to remotely release the connector 500 from an SFP or adapter. Theproximal end 518 of the pull tab 514 is uniquely shaped so as to engagewith the unique profile of the latching arms 504 of the narrow pitch LCconnector 500. The proximal end 518 engages both latching arms 504 ofthe duplex LC connector 500. That is, the proximal end 518 includes asingle prong configured to engage the latching arms of both connectors502. At the proximal end 518 of the pull tab 514 there are outwardlypointing pins 522 configured to rest directly above and slide along thesemi-circular surface of latching arms 504 of the duplex LC connectors502. The horizontal and rearward path direction of the pins 522 causesthe semi-circular profile of the connector latching arms 504 to flexdownward. Because the pins 522 are not contained inside ramped groovesof the connector latching arms 504, the pull tab 514 can also be pusheddown at a location directly behind the LC connectors 502 rather thanpulling the tab in a rearward motion from a remote distance behind theconnectors, such as from the distal end 516. The action of pushing downthe connectors' integral levers or latching arms 504 unlatches theconnector 500. In some cases, the horizontal motion of the pull tab 514may not be desirable. Thus, the connector latching arms 504 may bepushed down without resulting in a horizontal motion of the pull tab514.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show top and side views, respectively, of the LCconnector 502 of the narrow pitch connector 500. FIG. 6A further showsthat the LC connector 502 has a width of 4.6 mm. FIG. 6B shows thesemi-circular profile of the latching arm 504.

FIG. 7 shows a partially disassembled view of the narrow pitch connector500 of FIG. 5. The top housing 510 is separated from the bottom housing508. The pull tab 514 is coupled to the top housing 510 and configuredto slide longitudinally along the length of the connector. The tophousing 510 also includes a restraint 524 configured to receive the pulltab 514.

FIG. 8 shows a further disassembled view of the narrow pitch connector500. Specifically, the pull tab 514 is shown to be separated from thetop housing 510, and the spring 520 is removed from the pull tab. Thepull tab 514 includes a longitudinal recess 526 configured to receivethe spring 520, and at least one restraint 528 configured to retain thespring. The top housing 510 also includes a recess 530 configured toaccommodate at least a portion of the pull tab 514, such as the spring520 and the proximal end 518. In various embodiments, the pull tab maybe removably coupled to the connector via the top housing.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO SFP 900. TheSFP 900 is configured to receive a standard MPO connector, and providesa receptacle 902 for receiving an MPO connector having a conventionalwidth, as shown for example in FIGS. 10A to 10C.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of a conventional MPO connector 1000.As shown in FIG. 10B, the conventional MPO connector 1000 has a width of12.4 mm. FIG. 10C shows a front view of the MPO connector 1000.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a future narrow width multi-fiber SFP1100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Various embodimentsdisclosed herein are configured for use with the narrow widthmulti-fiber SFP 1100, having a width less than that of conventional MPOconnectors, that is less than about 12.4 mm. The narrow widthmulti-fiber SFP has a receptacle 1102 configured to receive a narrowwidth multi-fiber connector, such as a narrow width connector having anMT ferrule.

FIG. 12A shows one embodiment of a narrow width connector 1200 accordingto aspects disclosed herein. The narrow width connector 1200 is amulti-fiber connector including a multi-fiber MT/MPO ferrule 1202. Theconnector 1200 includes two extending members or latching arms 1204. Inother embodiments, the connector may include at least one latching arm.The connector 1200 has a width of 9.6 mm, as shown in the top view ofthe connector 1200 in FIG. 12B. In other embodiments, the connectorwidth may be less than that of the width of conventional multi-fiberconnectors, for example less than the 12.4 mm of the conventional MPOconnector shown in FOG. 10B. In some embodiments, the width may be about9.6 mm or less.

The connector 1200 further includes a housing 1206 having a bottomhousing 1208 and a top housing 1210. The bottom housing 1208 includesside walls 1212. In various embodiments, the housing of the connectormay be a switchable housing. The side walls may be configured to open soas to facilitate opening of the housing, for example to change polarityof the connector. The side walls 1212 may be raised towards the rear ofthe connector. One advantage of raising the side walls towards the rearof the connector is easier access. The side walls may also be raised atanother location.

The connector 1200 further includes a pull tab 1214 having a distal end1216 and a proximal end 1218. The pull tab 1214 further includes aspring 1220 configured to provide a force such that the connectorlatching arms 1204 return to the undisplaced position and thereby becomefully engaged inside the SFP's recess. The distal end 1216 of the pulltab 1214 may be pulled to remotely release the connector 1200 from anSFP or adapter. The proximal end 1218 of the pull tab 1214 is uniquelyshaped so as to engage with the unique profile of the latching arms 1204of the narrow width multi-fiber connector 1200. The proximal end 1218engages both latching arms 1204 of the multi-fiber connector 1200. Thatis, the proximal end 1218 includes a single prong configured to engagethe latching arms 1204. At the proximal end 1218 of the pull tab 1214there are outwardly pointing pins 1222 configured to rest directly aboveand slide along the semi-circular surface of latching arms 1204. Thehorizontal and rearward path direction of the pins 1222 causes thesemi-circular profile of the connector latching arms 1204 to flexdownward. Because the pins 1222 are not contained inside ramped groovesof the connector latching arms 1204, the pull tab 1214 can also bepushed down at a location directly behind the latching arms 1204 ratherthan pulling the tab in a rearward motion from a remote distance behindthe connector, such as from the distal end 1216. The action of pushingdown the connector's integral levers or latching arms 1204 unlatches theconnector 1200. In some cases, the horizontal motion of the pull tab1214 may not be desirable. Thus, the connector latching arms 1204 may bepushed down without resulting in a horizontal motion of the pull tab1214.

FIGS. 12B and 12C show top and front views, respectively, of the narrowwidth multi-fiber connector 1200. FIG. 12B further shows that theconnector 1200 has a width of 9.6 mm.

In various embodiments described above, the narrow width connectors havelatching arms configured to engage with a fixed or immovable recesswithin a narrow width SFP or a narrow width adapter. In theseembodiments, the pull tab of the connector displaces the flexiblelatching arm of the connector so as to disengage the latching arm fromthe recess of the SFP or the adapter. For example, the latching armsbend down as the pull tab is pulled back, so as to disengage theconnector from the SFP or the adapter.

In other embodiments, as further described for example in relation withFIGS. 13 to 15 below, the remote latch release pull tab may beconfigured to couple with a latch or a hook within the adapter or theSFP. In these embodiments, the flexible latching arm of the connector ismoved into the main cavity of the SFP or the adapter, and the latch ofthe SFP or the adapter engages a recess of the connector when the pulltab is in a normal location that is pushed forward by a spring. The pulltab may be configured to have a ramp area such that when the pull tab ispulled back, the latch of the SFP or the adapter is lifted by theretracted pull tab, thereby disengaging the latch of the SFP or theadapter from the connector.

FIG. 13A shows a narrow pitch multi-fiber connector 1300 inserted into anarrow pitch SFP 1302 such that a recess of the connector engages an SFPlatch. FIG. 13B shows the narrow pitch connector 1300 inserted into anarrow pitch adapter 1304 such that a recess of the connector engages alatch of the adapter.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the narrow width connector 1300 of FIG. 13Acoupled to the narrow width SFP 1302. Details of the coupling are shownwithin the circle 1400. Specifically, the SFP 1302 includes an SFP latch1402. The connector 1300 includes a recess 1404. For example, theconnector housing may comprise a recess 1404. The pull tab 1406 may bespring loaded as described in relation to various embodiments. Thisallows the pull tab 1406 to return to a position that will allow the SFPlatch 1402 to engage with the connector recess 1404. When the pull tab1406 is in the normal pull tab location, that is pushed forward by aspring, as shown in FIG. 14, the SFP latch 1402 is engaged with theconnector recess 1404 as illustrated within the circle 1400.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the narrow width connector 1300 of FIG. 13Aas it is disengaged from the narrow width SFP 1302. Details of thedecoupling are shown within the circle 1500. The pull tab 1406 includesa taper or a ramp area 1502. As the pull tab 1406 is pulled back in thedirection of the arrow 1504 as shown, the SFP latch 1402 is lifted bythe ramp area of the retracted pull tab, thereby disengaging the SFPlatch 1402 from the connector as illustrated within the circle 1500. Thesame effect described herein in conjunction with FIG. 15 also occurs inother embodiments of connectors coupled to a narrow width adapter asshown for example in FIG. 13A.

Although FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate coupling of the connector to anarrow width SFP, in other embodiments of the connector may be coupledto a narrow width adapter having an adapter latch, similar to that ofthe SFP latch. Further, although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 15include a narrow width multi-fiber connector, embodiments also work withnarrow pitch LC connectors.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbolstypically identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detaileddescription, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in theFigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodiesof the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (forexample, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including butnot limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, anddevices are described in terms of “comprising” various components orsteps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), thecompositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or“consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminologyshould be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. Itwill be further understood by those within the art that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (for example, “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example,the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, meansat least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, inthose instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B,and C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended inthe sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention(for example, “ a system having at least one of A, B, and C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (for example, “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, et cetera As a non-limiting example, each range discussed hereincan be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upperthird, et cetera As will also be understood by one skilled in the artall language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include thenumber recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken downinto subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by oneskilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, forexample, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2,3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

1. A narrow width fiber optic connector comprising: a multi-fiberconnector, wherein a width of said narrow width fiber optic connector isless than about 12.4 mm; a housing configured to hold the multi-fiberconnector and further comprising a connector recess; and a pull tabhaving a ramp area configured to disengage a latch of one of an adapterand an SFP from said connector recess.
 2. The narrow width fiber opticconnector of claim 1, wherein the multi-fiber connector includes amulti-fiber MT ferrule.
 3. The narrow width fiber optic connector ofclaim 1, wherein the width is less than or equal to about 9.6 mm.
 4. Thenarrow width fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the pull tabincludes a spring configured to allow the latch of one of the adapterand the SFP to engage with the connector recess.
 5. A narrow pitch fiberoptic connector comprising: a plurality of LC connectors arranged suchthat a pitch of said narrow pitch connector is less than about 5.25 mm;a housing configured to hold the plurality of LC connectors and furthercomprising a connector recess; and a pull tab having a ramp areaconfigured to disengage a latch of one of an adapter and an SFP fromsaid connector recess.
 6. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector ofclaim 5, wherein the pitch is less than or equal to about 4.8 mm.
 7. Thenarrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the pull tabincludes a spring configured to allow the latch of one of the adapterand the SFP to engage with the connector recess.
 8. The narrow pitchfiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein the pull tab includes a distalend for remotely unlatching the narrow pitch connector.
 9. The narrowpitch fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the narrow pitchconnector is a duplex connector.
 10. The narrow pitch fiber opticconnector of claim 5, wherein the housing includes a bottom housing anda top housing coupled to the bottom housing.
 11. The narrow pitch fiberoptic connector of claim 10, wherein the bottom housing includes a sidewall configured to open.
 12. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector ofclaim 11, wherein the side wall includes a raised profile at a rear endthereof.